The Heavenly Net and Earthly Net

As Sun Wukong entered the Water Curtain Cave, he encountered one of the Four Valiant Generals, the Red-buttocked Macaque, who was just about to leave. Seeing that the situation was dire, the monkey general had no time to react before Nezha knocked him unconscious with a golden brick.

"Quickly capture the demon monkey!" Nezha shouted, pointing at the throne inside the cave.

The Heavenly Generals manifested their true forms and lunged toward the throne, only to find it empty. Lifting the tiger skin, they saw that Sun Wukong was nowhere to be found.

"We've fallen into a trap!" Nezha exclaimed. At this moment, the other three Valiant Generals were awakened. Seeing this, they hurriedly shouted, "Someone protect His Majesty!"

In the blink of an eye, hundreds of monkey soldiers swarmed in. Nezha led his troops to meet them. How could these monkey soldiers be a match for the Heavenly Gods? In less than a moment, the entire Flower-Fruit Mountain was captured, and all the monkeys were apprehended.

Strangely, no matter how tight the Heavenly Net and Earthly Net were, Sun Wukong had vanished without a trace.

In the Heavenly Army's camp in the First Heaven, a mosquito buzzed into the commander's tent. Inside were only the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and Marshal Tianpeng, Zhu Lie.

The mosquito first circled Zhu Lie's face, causing him to wave his hands repeatedly to shoo it away. However, the mosquito seemed to be having fun, buzzing around Zhu Lie's head. Annoyed, Zhu Lie slammed his palm down, but the mosquito nimbly dodged it, and he ended up hurting himself.

"Marshal Tianpeng, what is it?" the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King asked, confused.

Zhu Lie replied, "I was just disturbed by a mosquito..." Before he could finish, he suddenly became alert. "How could there be mosquitoes in the Heavenly Court?" He immediately brought out his Supreme Treasure Golden Rake and sternly questioned it.

Just then, golden light flashed within the tent, and Sun Wukong revealed his true form. The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King quickly kicked over the table to block him and turned to retrieve his pagoda. Sun Wukong shattered the table with a single blow, knocking the Heavenly King to the ground in the process, and seized the Glazed Pagoda.

"Give me back my pagoda!" King Li exclaimed.

Sun Wukong laughed heartily and tucked the pagoda into his embrace. Seeing this, Zhu Lie attacked with his rake: "Demon monkey, how dare you be so arrogant!"

Sun Wukong first cast a spell to trap the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, then brandished his Golden Cudgel and engaged Zhu Lie in a fierce battle.

They fought for no more than thirty rounds before Zhu Lie felt his arms go numb, his tiger's mouth split open. Filled with fear, he feigned a move and retreated.

Wukong did not pursue. Instead, he turned and captured King Li, intending to return to Flower-Fruit Mountain. At this moment, Zhu Lie had already mobilized a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and, brandishing his spear, shouted, "Demon monkey, don't run! Release the Heavenly King at once, and I might spare your life!"

Wukong laughed upon hearing this: "What insignificant deity are you to dare block my path, Grandpa Sun?"

Zhu Lie said proudly, "I am the commander of the eighty thousand navy forces of the Heavenly River, personally appointed by the Jade Emperor. I am Marshal Tianpeng."

"So you're just a water official!" Wukong burst into laughter. "Why aren't you staying put in the Heavenly River and running here to join the fun?"

Zhu Lie said no more and led his eighty thousand navy soldiers to attack. The hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers also converged from all directions. Wukong plucked a handful of his fine hairs, which transformed into thousands of clones to meet the enemy. In an instant, the heavens and earth shook, and the sounds of battle filled the air. Golden armor reflected the cold light, and war banners rolled like dark clouds.

In less than half an hour, Wukong had repelled the Heavenly Soldiers, captured Marshal Tianpeng and many other gods, and escorted King Li back to the lower realm. As they reached mid-air, they suddenly saw a troop of people flying from the direction of Flower-Fruit Mountain.

The two sides met abruptly and were both stunned. Nezha was seen escorting the mountain's monkeys, while Wukong had bound the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and others. They looked at each other in bewilderment.

In Lingxiao Hall, the assembled immortals saw this scene and covered their faces, sighing.

The two armies faced each other in mid-air, the atmosphere tense.

After a long pause, King Li said sternly, "Nezha, my son, quickly capture these demon monkeys!"

Wukong immediately shouted, "Wait! If you release my children, I will return your father. How about that?"

Nezha sneered, "Soldiers are instruments of war, not to be trifled with. As a Heavenly General, it is my duty to die for my country. My King, please forgive me." He then waved his hand and ordered, "All generals, hear my command! Escort the demon monkey back to Heaven to be punished!"

He then bowed to King Li: "Loyalty and filial piety are difficult to balance; please forgive me, Father." Just as he was about to depart, a colossal pillar suddenly appeared blocking their path—it was Wukong's Golden Cudgel, transformed into a thousand-zhang barrier.

Upon seeing the Golden Cudgel, Nezha and his entourage immediately raised their weapons and treasures, aiming them at the monkeys, and shouted, "Sun Wukong, if you make any rash moves, we will immediately exterminate your monkey offspring."

The two marshals, Ma Liu, and the two generals, Beng Ba, looked at Sun Wukong with tear-filled eyes: "Great King, do not worry about us. You must escape for our sake." The monkeys wept uncontrollably, making Sun Wukong anxious and angry. He shouted at Nezha, "Third Prince, as long as you release them, I will immediately release the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King."

Nezha became even more arrogant upon hearing this: "Do not threaten me, Third Prince. I will never release them under any circumstances!" With that, he gripped the Demon Slaying Sword tightly. The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King hastily hid behind Sun Wukong, nervously watching Nezha.

Sun Wukong suppressed his anger and proposed, "Why don't we release them simultaneously and settle this with a real fight?"

Nezha sneered, "Who wants to fight you? Since we have captured the demon monkeys, we should return to the Heavenly Court to receive our rewards. Make way quickly!" He used the lives of the monkeys as a threat, forcing Sun Wukong to retract his Golden Cudgel.

Nezha triumphantly led the monkeys back to the main camp, while Sun Wukong had no choice but to retreat to Flower-Fruit Mountain with the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and others. After both sides ceased hostilities, Nezha immediately requested rewards for his generals and submitted a report of the battle to the Jade Emperor.

Although the Jade Emperor had witnessed the entire event through the Haotian Mirror, he could not help but chuckle upon reading the report. Nezha's report made no mention of his father's safety, but instead requested to be appointed commander and to attack Flower-Fruit Mountain again the next day to capture Sun Wukong.

In Lingxiao Hall, the assembled immortal officials heard the contents of the report and covered their mouths, laughing—the discord between the Li family father and son was no secret. If the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King had not been captured, Nezha would likely have attacked him on the spot.

"Esteemed immortal officials, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King and others have been captured. How should they be dealt with?" the Jade Emperor inquired.

Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion stepped forward, holding his ceremonial tablet: "Your subject has two strategies: First, order Nezha to exchange the monkey demons for the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King; second, send a capable person to infiltrate Flower-Fruit Mountain to rescue him."

True Lord Tianpeng immediately retorted, "If there were such a capable person, why not capture the demon monkey directly?"

True Lord Pi Li, Divine Might Subduing Demons, seconded the motion: "Exchanging hostages is more prudent."

The Jade Emperor pondered for a moment: "Your minister's first proposal is excellent. Issue an edict immediately ordering Nezha to exchange prisoners."

Master Xu respectfully accepted the order and immediately drafted the decree.

Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion then said, "Your Majesty, your subject has one more matter to report."

The Jade Emperor smiled and said, "Speak freely, my minister."

Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion said, "The exchange of hostages is a matter of great importance and requires a capable person to supervise it to prevent any accidents. Your subject wishes to recommend someone."

The Jade Emperor appeared slightly surprised. "Who does my minister recommend?"

Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion replied, "Lord of Lingtai Dongming, Zhuang Yan, can undertake this task."

"Zhuang Yan? Why is he here?" the Jade Emperor asked, puzzled, as Zhuang Yan's rank would not normally place him here.

Grand Supreme Elder Lao explained, "Your Majesty, Lord of Lingtai Dongming was invited to attend the Peach Banquet. It was he and Nezha who witnessed Sun Wukong stealing the elixirs earlier."

The Jade Emperor turned to the Queen Mother of the West for confirmation: "Daoist friend, did you also invite the Lord of Lingtai Dongming?"

The Queen Mother of the West nodded: "He helped me solve a difficult problem before, so I specially invited him to this Peach Banquet."

The Jade Emperor chuckled: "What a coincidence, to meet someone like this on my first visit. He then said to the Queen Mother of the West: "For the next Peach Banquet, I hope Daoist friend will invite him again to make up for today's regret."

The Queen Mother of the West solemnly replied: "I will obey the Great Celestial Venerable's decree."

The Jade Emperor immediately called out: "Where is the Lord of Lingtai Dongming?"

Zhuang Yan straightened his clothes and stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Your subject, the Lord of Lingtai Dongming, greets the Great Celestial Venerable and wishes you eternal life."

"You may rise, honored minister," said the Jade Emperor.

"Thank you, Great Celestial Venerable," Zhuang Yan replied, standing upright.

As an Innate Being, Zhuang Yan possessed an extraordinary aura and a heroic demeanor, drawing the attention of all the immortals present.

The Jade Emperor, taking a liking to him at first sight, asked: "Where do you hail from, honored minister?"

Zhuang Yan replied: "Your subject was born from innate transformation."

"Excellent," the Jade Emperor praised repeatedly, pointing to the imperial edict in Master Xu's hand. "You shall descend to the mortal realm to deliver this decree and oversee the exchange of hostages. Are you willing to accept this mission?"

Zhuang Yan cupped his hands in response: "Your subject will not fail this trust."

The Jade Emperor nodded in satisfaction and ordered Master Xu to hand the imperial edict to Zhuang Yan. Zhuang Yan accepted the edict and took his leave.

Watching Zhuang Yan's departing figure, the Jade Emperor secretly marveled: "I never expected the Three Realms to hold such a talented individual. Just as Laojun said, he is truly a heaven-sent minister."

Zhuang Yan, carrying out the decree, descended to the Heavenly Soldier camp on the First Heaven.

The Seventy-two Earthly Fiend Generals guarding the camp entrance saw someone approaching and immediately led their troops to block him.

"Halt! This is a restricted area of the Heavenly Army, how dare you trespass?" the General of Earthly Fiend Star questioned sternly, his brows furrowed in anger.

Zhuang Yan calmly raised the imperial edict: "I am Zhuang Yan, the Lord of Lingtai Dongming, sent by order of the Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable. Open the camp gates quickly, I must deliver a decree to Third Prince Nezha."

Upon hearing this, the General of Earthly Fiend Star's expression changed. He hurriedly led his generals down from the city wall to welcome him: "We respectfully welcome the Heavenly Venerable's decree!" He then ordered the Heavenly Soldiers to open the camp gates wide and personally escorted Zhuang Yan through the numerous military tents.

The central command tent was brightly lit, with Nezha discussing military affairs with his generals. As the tent flap was lifted, the General of Earthly Fiend Star led Zhuang Yan in, and all eyes in the tent instantly focused on them.

"Lord of Lingtai Prefecture?" Nezha put down the military report in his hand, his face showing surprise.

The General of Earthly Fiend Star stepped forward and reported: "Marshal, the Prefect has come with the Heavenly Venerable's imperial command."

The generals in the tent suddenly stood up upon hearing this. Zhuang Yan held the imperial edict high and announced loudly: "By imperial command of the Jade Emperor Great Celestial Venerable, Deputy Marshal of Demon Subduing Nezha and all generals, receive this decree."

Nezha quickly left his seat, leading the generals to stand solemnly in the tent, all bowing their heads: "Your subjects respectfully await the sacred edict."

Zhuang Yan unfolded the imperial edict and concisely conveyed the decree regarding the exchange of hostages. After reading it, he rolled it up and said: "Please accept the decree, Marshal."

Nezha received the imperial edict with both hands and bowed in acceptance: "Your subject respectfully obeys the decree."

After the General of Earthly Fiend Star retreated to the camp gate, Zhuang Yan was assigned to a newly set up observation seat beside the commander's desk. As soon as he sat down, he heard Nezha say: "We were just discussing the matter of rescuing my father."

"Do you have a good plan?" Zhuang Yan raised an eyebrow.

Nezha shook his head: "We haven't decided on a strategy yet."

"If that's the case, why not act according to the decree," Zhuang Yan lightly tapped the desk.

Nezha nodded: "Since the Heavenly Venerable has issued a decree, we should naturally exchange hostages with the demon monkey. We need to send an envoy to Flower-Fruit Mountain to inform them..." His words were interrupted as he suddenly called out: "Where is the Giant Spirit God?"

The burly divine general stepped forward in response: "Your subordinate awaits orders!"

"Take my command token and quickly go to Flower-Fruit Mountain to inform Sun Wukong about the hostage exchange."

The Giant Spirit God took the command token and was about to leave when Zhuang Yan suddenly slammed the table and shouted: "Wait!" He rushed out of the tent, but the Giant Spirit God had already vanished. Turning back, his gaze shot towards Nezha like lightning: "Doesn't Deputy Marshal think this action is inappropriate?"

Nezha looked confused: "Why do you say that, Prefect?" He looked around at the generals and asked: "Did I make any mistakes?"

The generals all shook their heads: "The Marshal's arrangements are thorough."

Zhuang Yan silently returned to his seat, his knuckles tapping a dull rhythm on the desk.

A moment later, two Heavenly Soldiers rushed into the tent to report: "Deputy Marshal, General Giant Spirit God just entered Flower-Fruit Mountain to state his intentions, but was injured and captured by that demon monkey."

Nezha slammed the table in anger: "I sent him to discuss the hostage exchange, and this demon monkey dares to detain the envoy?"

The Heavenly Soldier replied: "That demon monkey said that if an envoy was sent to negotiate, why wasn't a specific date set? It was clearly a trap, so he captured General Giant Spirit God."

Nezha slapped his forehead in frustration: "It was my oversight." He turned to Zhuang Yan and asked: "Is this what you were trying to say just now?"

Zhuang Yan nodded: "Precisely."